Vietnam is a popular destination for South Korean travelers, offering vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, historic attractions, diverse cuisine, and convenient travel connections. One major advantage for South Korean passport holders is Vietnam’s visa exemption for short visits. This guide explains the Vietnam Visa for South Korea Citizens, including the 45-day visa exemption, Vietnam eVisa eligibility, requirements, costs, processing times, application steps, expedited services, entry points, and useful travel information.
Do South Korea citizens need a visa to Vietnam?
No, not for stays of up to 45 days. South Korean citizens can enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days.
If a South Korean traveler plans to stay in Vietnam beyond the visa-exemption period, an appropriate visa will be required. Eligible South Korean passport holders can apply for a Vietnam eVisa, which may be valid for up to 90 days.
Vietnam visa exemption for South Korea citizens
South Korean citizens visiting Vietnam for a short stay can benefit from Vietnam’s visa-exemption policy. According to the information currently provided on this page, South Korean passport holders can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without obtaining a visa.
This makes short holidays and other eligible short visits more convenient because travelers do not need to complete an eVisa application when their planned stay falls within the applicable visa-free period.
Travelers should ensure that their planned stay complies with the applicable visa-exemption conditions and that their passport and other travel documents meet the entry requirements.
What if you want to stay longer than 45 days?
If you plan to remain in Vietnam beyond the visa-free period, you should arrange an appropriate visa for your intended stay. One convenient option for eligible South Korean passport holders is the Vietnam eVisa.
Can South Korea citizens apply for a Vietnam eVisa?
Yes. South Korean citizens can apply for a Vietnam eVisa online.
The eVisa can be useful for travelers who need to stay beyond the 45-day visa-exemption period or whose travel circumstances require an appropriate visa. A Vietnam eVisa may be valid for up to 90 days and may permit either single or multiple entries depending on the visa issued.
👉 Apply for a Vietnam eVisa online
Types of Vietnam visas available for South Korea citizens
South Korean citizens who require a visa can consider different options depending on their intended length of stay, purpose of travel, and individual circumstances.
Vietnam eVisa
The Vietnam eVisa is a convenient online option for eligible South Korean travelers. Applicants can submit the required passport information, supporting images, travel details, and payment electronically before departure.
Visa on Arrival
Visa on Arrival is not the standard option for ordinary eVisa travel. It may be available in qualifying emergency circumstances and generally requires prior arrangements and an approval letter before departure. Travelers who believe they require this option can review our Vietnam Visa on Arrival service.
Embassy visa
Travelers whose circumstances are not suitable for an eVisa may need to contact the relevant Vietnamese diplomatic mission regarding other visa categories. Additional information is available through our Vietnam embassy information.
Visa types based on purpose of visit
- Tourist Visa (DL): For eligible travelers visiting Vietnam for tourism purposes.
- Business Visa (DN1, DN2): For qualifying business-related travel.
- Relative Visit Visa (TT): For qualifying travelers visiting relatives in Vietnam.
eVisa duration and entry options
- Up to 90 days
- Single-entry eVisa
- Multiple-entry eVisa
Vietnam eVisa requirements for South Korea citizens
South Korean travelers who need a Vietnam eVisa should prepare their application information carefully. Incorrect or inconsistent passport and travel details may cause processing problems.
- Valid passport: Prepare a valid South Korean passport and ensure that the information entered in the application matches your passport.
- Personal and passport information: Enter your full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and other requested information accurately.
- Portrait photograph: Prepare a recent portrait image suitable for the eVisa application.
- Passport data-page image: Upload a clear image of the information page of your passport.
- Travel information: Provide the requested intended arrival date, entry point, address in Vietnam, and other relevant travel details.
- Visa fee: Pay the applicable government or service fee according to the application method selected.
Before submitting your application, carefully check your full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, intended entry date, and other important details.
Vietnam eVisa cost for South Korea citizens
For travelers applying independently through the official Vietnam Immigration eVisa system, the existing South Korea guide lists the following government application fees:
- Single-entry eVisa: US$25
- Multiple-entry eVisa: US$50
Government fees are separate from optional Vietnam Visa Express service and expedited-processing charges. Travelers applying independently can check current official information through the Vietnam Immigration eVisa portal.
Vietnam Visa Express processing options and fees
South Korean travelers who require application assistance or faster processing can choose from the available Vietnam Visa Express service options below.
👉 Apply for a new Vietnam eVisa
👉 Expedite a pending Vietnam eVisa
Vietnam eVisa processing time for South Korea citizens
Processing times can vary depending on the application, information submitted, application volume, weekends, public holidays, and whether additional verification is required.
Vietnam Visa Express offers standard and expedited processing options for travelers who need assistance or have urgent travel plans, subject to availability and the circumstances of the application.
If you know that your trip will require an eVisa, applying early provides additional time to resolve any document or application issues before departure.
How South Korea citizens can apply for a Vietnam eVisa
- Start your application: Visit our Vietnam eVisa service page.
- Enter your information: Complete the application using personal and passport details that match your South Korean passport.
- Upload the required images: Provide the requested passport data-page image and portrait photograph.
- Review your application: Carefully check your name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, travel dates, and other important information.
- Pay the applicable fee: Complete payment according to the application and processing option selected.
- Receive your eVisa: Once approved, receive the eVisa electronically and check all information before traveling.
- Prepare for entry: Keep a copy of your approved eVisa available when traveling to Vietnam.
Already applied? Expedite a pending Vietnam eVisa
If you have already submitted a Vietnam eVisa application but it is still pending and your departure date is approaching, do not automatically submit another application.
Instead, you may request assistance through our Expedited Pending Vietnam eVisa service. This service is intended for travelers who already have an existing application and want to check whether faster processing assistance is available.
Availability depends on the status and circumstances of the application. Travelers with urgent departure dates should request assistance as early as possible.
Approved entry points for Vietnam eVisa holders
Travelers using a Vietnam eVisa must enter and exit through designated entry points permitted under the eVisa program. These include approved international airports, land border gates, and seaports.
Common international airports used by travelers include:
- Noi Bai International Airport – Hanoi
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport – Ho Chi Minh City
- Da Nang International Airport – Da Nang
- Cam Ranh International Airport – Khanh Hoa
- Phu Quoc International Airport – Kien Giang
- Cat Bi International Airport – Hai Phong
- Can Tho International Airport – Can Tho
- Phu Bai International Airport – Hue
- Van Don International Airport – Quang Ninh
- Lien Khuong International Airport – Lam Dong
Travelers should verify that their intended entry and exit points are permitted for their eVisa before departure. Current official information can be checked through the Vietnam Immigration eVisa portal.
Enhance your Vietnam itinerary
Whether visiting Vietnam under the 45-day visa exemption or using an eVisa for a longer trip, the country offers a wide range of destinations and experiences.
- Ha Long Bay: Famous for emerald waters and dramatic limestone islands. Travelers can enjoy cruises, caves, kayaking, and scenic views. Read more about Ha Long Bay.
- Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital combines historic neighborhoods with modern city life. Popular attractions include the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- Hoi An: Known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, colorful lanterns, riverside scenery, tailor shops, and local cuisine.
- Hue: Vietnam’s former imperial capital features the Imperial City, royal tombs, pagodas, and the Perfume River. Discover more about Hue.
- Ho Chi Minh City: A vibrant southern metropolis known for its history, markets, museums, nightlife, and diverse food scene.
- Sapa: A northern mountain destination known for terraced rice fields, trekking routes, dramatic scenery, and local ethnic cultures.
- Mekong Delta: Explore waterways, floating markets, fruit orchards, villages, and the distinctive lifestyle of southern Vietnam.
- Phu Quoc Island: A tropical destination featuring beaches, clear water, national parks, night markets, and island resorts.
Vietnam’s weather overview
Vietnam’s long geography creates different weather patterns across Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam. Conditions can vary considerably depending on the destination and time of year.
Northern Vietnam
- Winter (December–February): Around 10°C–20°C, with cool conditions and occasional drizzle. Suggested destinations include Hanoi, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay.
- Spring (March–April): Around 15°C–25°C with generally pleasant conditions. Suggested destinations include Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Moc Chau.
- Summer (May–August): Temperatures can rise above 30°C, with hot, humid weather and frequent showers. Suggested destinations include Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Ba Be National Park.
- Autumn (September–November): Around 20°C–25°C with cooler and often drier conditions. Suggested destinations include Mu Cang Chai, Ha Giang, and Hanoi.
Central Vietnam
- Winter (December–February): Around 18°C–25°C. Suggested destinations include Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang.
- Spring (March–April): Around 20°C–30°C and generally comfortable for sightseeing. Suggested destinations include Da Nang, Hoi An, and Quy Nhon.
- Summer (May–August): Temperatures can exceed 35°C with hot and humid conditions. Suggested destinations include Nha Trang, Phong Nha, and My Son Sanctuary.
- Autumn (September–November): Central Vietnam can experience heavy rain and tropical storms, so travelers should monitor local weather forecasts carefully.
Southern Vietnam
- Dry season (December–May): Around 25°C–35°C with generally warm and drier conditions. Popular destinations include Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, and the Mekong Delta.
- Rainy season (June–November): Warm and humid conditions with frequent rainfall, often occurring in short heavy showers. Suggested destinations include Can Tho, Con Dao, and Vung Tau.
Travel tips for South Korea citizens visiting Vietnam
- Check your permitted stay: If traveling under the visa exemption, make sure your entire planned visit remains within the applicable visa-free period.
- Plan ahead: Research destinations and reserve accommodation early during busy travel periods.
- Visa and documents: If using an eVisa, check all visa details carefully before departure and keep your travel documents accessible.
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. ATMs and currency-exchange services are widely available in major destinations.
- Language: Learning simple Vietnamese phrases such as “Xin chào” (Hello) and “Cảm ơn” (Thank you) can be useful.
- Cultural etiquette: Dress appropriately when visiting temples and religious sites and respect local customs.
- Transportation: Use reliable transport services and arrange domestic flights or longer-distance transportation in advance where necessary.
- Connectivity: Consider a local SIM card or suitable roaming package for navigation and communication.
- Cuisine: Explore Vietnamese dishes such as pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls while choosing clean and reputable food vendors.
Frequently asked questions about Vietnam Visa for South Korea Citizens
How long can South Korea citizens stay in Vietnam without a visa?
South Korean passport holders can stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days according to the current information on this page.
Can South Korea citizens apply for a Vietnam eVisa?
Yes. South Korean passport holders can apply for a Vietnam eVisa online when they require an appropriate visa for their travel plans.
How long can a Vietnam eVisa be valid?
A Vietnam eVisa may be valid for up to 90 days and may permit either single or multiple entries depending on the visa issued.
How much is the Vietnam government eVisa fee?
The existing South Korea guide lists a government application fee of US$25 for a single-entry eVisa and US$50 for a multiple-entry eVisa. Optional service and expedited-processing charges are separate.
Can I expedite a Vietnam eVisa that is already pending?
If you have already submitted an eVisa application and it remains pending close to your departure date, you can check whether assistance is available through our Expedited Pending Vietnam eVisa service.
Do I need an eVisa if my trip is shorter than 45 days?
If you qualify for Vietnam's visa exemption and your entire visit falls within the permitted 45-day visa-free period, an eVisa is generally not required for that stay.
Planning a longer stay in Vietnam?
South Korean citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to Vietnam for short visits within the applicable 45-day period. If your planned stay is longer, arrange the appropriate visa before traveling and carefully check your passport and travel information before submitting an application.
👉 Staying longer? Apply for your Vietnam eVisa online
Already submitted your application? 👉 Expedite your pending Vietnam eVisa
